Two LEAFY homologs regulate floral patterning and development without affecting flowering time in kiwifruit
Yongyan Peng1,2, Charlotte Voogd1, Cecilia Deng1
1Plant and Food Research Group, New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science, Mt Albert, Auckland 1025, New Zealand.
Journal of Experimental Botany
|February 19, 2026
Summary
Kiwifruit LEAFY (LFY) genes influence plant architecture and flower development, but do not accelerate flowering. Double mutants show altered floral patterning, affecting pollination and fruit set.
Area of Science:
- Plant biology
- Genetics
- Agricultural science
Background:
- Actinidia chinensis (kiwifruit) breeding is hindered by a long juvenile phase.
- LEAFY (LFY) genes are crucial for flowering in many plant species.
- Overexpression of LFY can accelerate flowering in some plants.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the role of two kiwifruit LFY genes (AcLFY1 and AcLFY2) in flowering time and plant development.
- Determine the effects of AcLFY gene manipulation on kiwifruit architecture and floral organogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Identified and characterized AcLFY1 and AcLFY2 genes in kiwifruit.
- Overexpressed AcLFY genes in Arabidopsis and kiwifruit.
- Generated CRISPR-Cas9 AcLFY1/AcLFY2 knockout mutants in kiwifruit.
- Analyzed floral morphology, plant architecture, and gene expression using RNA-seq.
Main Results:
- AcLFY1/AcLFY2 overexpression accelerated flowering in Arabidopsis but not in kiwifruit, instead causing altered branching and leaf morphology.
- CRISPR-Cas9 generated AcLFY1/AcLFY2 mutants flowered at the same rate as controls.
- Double AcLFY knockout mutants exhibited severe defects in floral patterning and organ development (petals, stamens).
- RNA-seq revealed differential regulation of AcLFY genes by floral repressors (AcCENTRORADIALIS).
Conclusions:
- AcLFY genes in kiwifruit primarily regulate plant architecture and contribute to floral organ development and patterning.
- These functions have significant implications for self-pollination, fruit set, and overall fruit quality in kiwifruit.
- Targeting AcLFY genes may offer strategies for improving kiwifruit breeding and horticultural practices.
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